Ceffyl Du RDA Driving Group

News

We continue to have the benefit of operating from Greenmeadow Community Farm

Our season opened on 9th May 2016 with a very wet start, and driving had to be cancelled, and the pony went home unused. A rare event at Ceffyl Du - who are not fair weather drivers. Since then all our evening sessions have been well attended, and drivers have enjoyed driving in the new paddock. Driving at the Farm finished on 5th September 2016 for the year as the evenings were getting darker. They will restart on Monday 8th May 2017.

Ceffyl Du Drives 2016

Before driving commenced Volunteers had 2 training evenings to prepare for the season , and were pleased to be joined by 6 new volunteers. These included 2 Duke of Edinburgh participants, as Ceffyl Du is now registered to help them qualify for the Award. During the season 3 new disabled Drivers joined us and soon felt at home.

New driver Gerardmeets our pony Tinker

Our Paddock

Our paddock was made good use of throughout our driving season thanks to the lottery grant from Sport Wales.

Our Volunteers help keep our paddock in good working order even bringing in a lovely old Fergie Tractor to mow it.see photo One man went to mow.

Royal Windsor Show

On 14th May ten members enjoyed a sunny day out at Royal Windsor Horse Show, watching the International Driving Teams competing in the Cros Country Course, with allthe thrills and spills. Before going home on the bus they had time to watch the Queen enjoying a wonderful display of horses and excellent horsmanship put on in the main ring for her as part of her 90th Birthday Celebrations.

Watching the Household Cavalry mounted regiment at Windsor Show

David Broome coaches Ceffyl Du Drivers

On 27th June David Broome came and gave 4 of our Drivers special training. They are all learning to perform dressage tests, and each driver identified a specific goal that they would work to achieve.

David-Broome gives instruction

Woods Drive

One saturday in September the Group met for a picnic in Usk Castle Chase woods and each driver had a chance to drive their pony along the lovely leafy rides.

Ceffyl Du Woods Drive

Christmas Party

Fun and games at Greenmeadow Community farm when the Group met for their Christmas party in December.

Fundraising

We had a stand at ASDA on in January and November, a stand at Greenmeadow Community Farm, and a collection in Usk in December, as well as getting a sizeable donation from Waitrose. Usk Open Gardens Committee made a generous donation to our Group, and all our members made a special effort to raise funds in different ways, including opening their garden, running in Cardiff Half Marathon, attending car boots sales, and having a party, and receiving donations in lieu of flowers at the funeral of a dear friend and supporter of the Group,